Navigating ESG Reporting in 2025 : What HR and Sustainability leaders need to know 🌎
At Cano, we believe that meaningful ESG progress starts with people actions, every day.
The world of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) can feel overwhelming—especially when you're trying to figure out where to begin. With over 600 frameworks and standards worldwide, it’s no surprise that many businesses are unsure which ones matter most. But here’s the good news: 2025 is shaping up to be the year ESG becomes more unified, more actionable.
At Cano, we believe that ESG doesn’t have to live in powerpoints. It can be part of your everyday company culture—starting with how your people engage with it. Here’s a quick guide to help you make sense of ESG frameworks and how they connect to employee action and workplace engagement.
Why ESG Frameworks Matter
In recent years, governments in Canada, the U.S., and across Europe have shifted from voluntary ESG reporting to formal regulations. And while some of these rules target large corporations or publicly listed companies, the ripple effect touches everyone—especially in the eyes of employees, customers, and investors.
Having a clear ESG approach helps your organization:
Align with investor and stakeholder expectations
Attract and retain purpose-driven talent
Boost employee engagement by giving people real ways to contribute to sustainability and social impact, every day
But to track your progress—and make your efforts count—you need a shared language. That’s where ESG frameworks come in.
For businesses committed to real impact (and not just greenwashing), aligning with a recognized framework is how you demonstrate progress in a transparent, credible way.
The top ESG reporting frameworks in 2025
Here’s a quick overview of the leading ESG frameworks shaping business today. You don’t need to follow all of them—but being aware of their purpose can help you decide which ones align best with your organization’s values and stakeholders.
1. ISSB (International Sustainability Standards Board)
The ISSB has become the global gold standard. Launched under the IFRS Foundation, it merged several major frameworks (SASB, TCFD, CDSB, and VRF) into one unified approach. Its 2023 standards—IFRS S1 and S2—cover both general sustainability reporting and climate-related disclosures.
Why it matters: These standards are quickly becoming the norm for financial markets and investors.
2. GRI (Global Reporting Initiative)
Still the most widely used ESG reporting standard globally—especially for companies with strong social and environmental programs. GRI covers everything from emissions to labor practices to community impact.
Why it matters: GRI is the go-to for stakeholder-focused sustainability reporting, including employee well-being and social programs.
3. CSRD & ESRS (EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive)
The CSRD requires thousands of EU-based and international companies to follow the ESRS, a set of detailed disclosure rules across ESG areas. This directive is expanding in 2025 to include more companies, including some Canadian firms operating in the EU.
Why it matters: Mandatory for businesses operating in or with ties to Europe.
4. CDP (Carbon Disclosure Project)
CDP focuses on environmental transparency, particularly in emissions, deforestation, and water use. It’s often used by companies looking to reduce their climate footprint.
Why it matters: Employees and consumers increasingly expect transparency in environmental performance.
5. SBTi (Science Based Targets initiative)
Focused on helping companies set and meet net-zero targets through science-backed emissions reduction plans.
Why it matters: SBTi provides a clear, actionable roadmap for climate-conscious companies.
6. SDGs (UN Sustainable Development Goals)
The 17 SDGs provide a global framework to align ESG efforts with priorities like climate action, health, equity, and decent work.
Why it matters: They offer a universal language to give meaning to employee actions and tell a clear impact story.
Cano helps accelerate your impact in the following areas:
SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-Being
SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities
SDG 13 – Climate Action
What’s new in 2025
TCFD has officially wrapped up. Its climate disclosure work is now integrated into the ISSB’s S2 standard.
Framework convergence is real. The alphabet soup is becoming a clear menu. ISSB + GRI are working more closely than ever.
Social impact is gaining ground. In 2025, it’s not just about emissions. More companies are being asked to report on workforce well-being, diversity, equity, inclusion, and community impact.
So, where does Club Cano fit in?
At Cano, we’re not a reporting platform. We’re a culture engine.
We help organizations like yours engage employees in real-world ESG actions—whether it’s biking to work, volunteering locally, reducing waste at the office, or supporting social initiatives. Then, we quantify and track these efforts so you can align them with the bigger frameworks you care about (like GRI, ISSB, or even your own sustainability goals).
We make ESG actionable at the employee level—because engaged teams are the heartbeat of real impact.
Get started!
You don’t need to be an ESG expert. You just need to start with the right mindset—and the right partner. Whether you’re building a culture of sustainability, planning your annual impact report, or simply looking to boost employee engagement, Cano helps bring ESG to life across your organization.
👉 Curious how your team can start taking meaningful ESG actions? Book a demo with us.